'I hope O2 ABC is not overlooked': Fans and artists remember iconic music venue in wake of devastating fire

In the wake of a fire which has devastated the Glasgow School of Art, music artists and members of the public are urging people not to overlook the iconic O2 ABC which has also suffered extensive damage as a result of the inferno.

The venue has not only paved the way for some of Glasgow's most famous stars to emerge into the spotlight, but has also hosted an impressive list of international superstars including Arctic Monkeys and Bruno Mars.

Built in 1875, the Sauchiehall Street building originally housed a Diorma, virtual theatrical experience before being taken over by the Associated British Cinemas Chain (ABC) in 1929.

It wasn't until 2005 that the ABC launched as a music venue, with a 2008 Primal Scream concert - played to just 350 people - putting it on the music map.

On Friday, June 15 at around 11.20pm, an inferno erupted through Glasgow School of Art, which sits just behind the music venue.

Around 150 firefighters were deployed to the scene in an attempt to control the blaze.

However, their efforts failed to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and the ABC venue was engulfed, eventually leading to the entire collapse of the roof.

Both artists and music fans have been left devastated by the news that the building has been destroyed, with many sharing fond memories of their times at the venue.

Darren Loki McGarvey said: "I hope the O2 ABC venue is not overlooked in the aftermath of this fire.

"It was a world class music venue, used by thousands of people every month.

"Also a great platform for local artists to get a shot on the big stage supporting international acts. A very special place."

I hope the O2 ABC venue is not overlooked in the aftermath of this fire. It was a world class music venue, used by thousands of people every month. Also a great platform for local artists to get a shot on the big stage supporting international acts. A very special place x

Amy Garvie added: "So gutted about the O2 ABC, had many an amazing gig there."

Between 2005 and 2018, huge names have graced the stages of the ABC inlcluding Paramore, Glasvegas, Paolo Nutini, Frightened Rabbit, The View and Kendrick Lamar.

Glasvegas were among those paying tribute the venue on social media, they said: "Gutted to hear about the fire at O2 ABC .. was just a month ago we had a very special night at Stag & Dagger.. I hope someone saved the disco ball. GV."

Gutted to hear about the fire at O2 ABC .. was just a month ago we had a very special night at Stag & Dagger.. I hope someone saved the disco ball. GVx pic.twitter.com/4ABGtZOFyV

One musician, Connor Macleod was devastated to hear about the fire which destroyed the venue that he had been lucky enough to headline.

He said: "So sad to hear that the Glasgow o2 ABC burnt down last night.

"Was lucky enough to headline the main stage with Yashin back in 2012 and play it again in 2015 with Skindred. Brilliant venue! Sad times."

So sad to hear that the Glasgow o2 ABC burnt down last night.
Was lucky enough to headline the main stage with Yashin back in 2012 and play it again in 2015 with Skindred. Brilliant venue! Sad times. pic.twitter.com/7ik0dL93lY

Still Game Actor, Gavin Mitchell also took to social media to pay tribute to "one of the best venues in Glasgow".

He said: "It now looks like we may have also lost the ABC. That beautiful wooden roof. One if my favourite and best venues in Glasgow. So many memories, from performing to seeing movies there when I was a kid.

"This is a truly horrible day for Glasgow. No wonder the heavens have opened."

It now looks like we may have also lost the ABC. That beautiful wooden roof. One if my favourite and best venues in Glasgow. So many memories, from performing to seeing movies there when I was a kid. This is a truly horrible day for Glasgow. No wonder the heavens have opened. 💔

Indie rock band, Little Comets were glad that no one was injured but equally saddened by news of the buildings destruction, they said: "Gutted about O2 ABC great venue and lovely people. Wishing you all well.

Gutted about @O2ABC great venue and lovely people. Wishing you all well. X

"We have fond memories of staff there when we played that beautiful room."

The venue was set to host a Belly the Band gig on Saturday evening, which nearby venue, The Garage offered to host instead.

Foo Fighters tribute band, Foo Fighters GB, were also forced to call off their gig as a result of the inferno.

In a statement on Facebook, the band said: "It is with massive regret that we have to inform everyone that tonight’s Glasgow gig at the O2 ABC Glasgow cannot go ahead due to a horrific fire in the building next door that spread to the roof of the O2."

“We hope everyone in the area is OK and are awaiting further info. This looks like a huge fire so we don’t know about any rescheduling as yet but we will keep you all informed.”

Now the future for upcoming gigs is very uncertain, with several events that were set to take place over the next few days, already being cancelled due to the destruction.

Glasgow, sadly our show at @O2ABC has been cancelled due to the awful fire at the venue. Refunds from point of purchase. Our thoughts are with the venue people for a speedy recovery. So glad no one was hurt as far as we know. Thanks for understanding.

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